The ‘Buy It For Life’ movement sounds like a money-saver — but blindly replacing some items could cost you more than you think

But how well does BIFL deliver on its promise? And is it smart to go all-in on replacing everything you own with premium alternatives? It turns out the answer is: it depends.

What is Buy It For Life?

The BIFL philosophy is simple: buy less, but buy better. Rather than purchasing cheap products every few years to replace broken-down items, BIFL advocates investing up front in well-made goods designed to last — from decades up to a lifetime.

The modern movement gained real momentum when the r/BuyItForLife community launched on Reddit in 2009. It now has over 2.6 million members swapping recommendations on everything from cast iron cookware to work boots (1).

The group’s intent is often summed up using the phrase “buy once, cry once” — meaning the initial pain of forking out for a higher price tag hurts less than repeatedly replacing low-quality products over time.

Does BIFL actually save money?

The math behind BIFL sounds straightforward. If a $200 pair of boots lasts 20 years, and a $40 pair lasts two years, the cheap option costs you $400 over the same time period — twice as much.

In theory, that logic holds. In practice, though, it can get complicated.

First, products don’t always last as long as advertised — and even when they do, repairs can eat into your savings. The Government of Canada’s own right-to-repair consultation found that appliance repair costs rose over 7.8% year-over-year in early 2024, while the price of new appliances fell 2.2% over the same period, according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2). In some cases, fixing something costs nearly as much as replacing it.

The second issue is whether you’ll actually use a product long enough to recoup the upfront cost. Needs change over time, technology evolves and preferences shift. A premium item that sits unused or gets replaced early doesn’t deliver the savings it promised.

Price isn’t always the most accurate guide to quality, either. Independent product testing has repeatedly found the performance of some lower-cost products is comparable to premium alternatives — meaning paying more doesn’t always equate to getting more.

That said, there are real environmental benefits to BIFL that go beyond your wallet. Longer product lifespans mean less demand for raw materials, less energy-intensive manufacturing and less waste, all of which matter at a time when Canadians are increasingly concerned about sustainability.

Where BIFL tends to make sense

BIFL isn't an all-or-nothing philosophy. It works best when it’s selectively applied — product by product, as the need arises based on how you live.

Categories where the BIFL tends to pay off include:

• Hand tools
• Cast-iron cookware
• Work boots and quality footwear
• Some coffee machines and grinders
• Classic, high-quality clothing
• Solid wood or well-constructed furniture

These are products with stable designs, strong repairability and last over time — exactly the conditions where “buy once” logic holds up.

Where BIFL often doesn’t make sense

There are entire categories where paying a premium for longevity makes less financial sense:

• Consumer electronics: Smartphones, laptops and tablets often become outdated before they physically wear out. A premium device bought today may be functionally obsolete in four or five years — long before it stops working.
• Trend-driven fashion: Even a beautifully made article of clothing has a limited practical lifespan as styles change and it ends up in the back of the closet or in the donation pile.
• Products with costly consumables: Inkjet printers, water filters, pod coffee machines and electric toothbrushes often require ongoing purchases that outweigh any durability advantages.
• Baby equipment and children’s gear: These items are used for a relatively short time, have expiration dates and are often better borrowed, picked up second-hand or passed down.
• Everyday basics. A $5 spatula that lasts five years and a $40 spatula that lasts 20 years both do the same job. That kind of upgrade rarely makes financial sense.

The grey areas

Some categories spark real debate among BIFL advocates.

Major appliances — refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners — are a common example. BIFL supporters argue that quality brands last significantly longer and perform better than cheap alternatives.

However, critics point out that even premium appliances eventually need repairs, and those repairs can sometimes cost as much as a replacement. The Government of Canada’s right-to-repair consultation has acknowledged this tension, noting that while more durable products can generate long-term savings, the cost of repairs often discourages people from following through (3).

It’s worth knowing that Canada is actively working to make repairs easier and more accessible. Quebec has already passed legislation banning “planned obsolescence” and requires manufacturers to make parts and repair information readily available, according to CBC News (4). Federal legislation is also moving in a similar direction, and if these efforts succeed, the case for buying durable goods increases because fixing an item becomes more practical and affordable.

Mattresses are another grey area. Given that you spend roughly one-third of your life sleeping, product quality matters. But personal comfort preferences change over time, and a mattress you love today may not suit you a decade from now.

How to decide if BIFL is worth it for you

Before you spend big on a premium replacement, ask yourself a few honest questions: